How to Play a Paradiddle

It is an absolutely essential rudiment for any drummer that wants to expand their drumming possibilities. Here is the basic sticking pattern: As you can see above, the single paradiddle is a combination of single strokes and double strokes.

Step 1: Understand What a Paradiddle Is

Paradiddle -na quick succession of drumbeats slower than a roll and alternating left and rightnhand strokes in a typical L-R-L-L, R-L-R-R pattern

Step 2: Learn the Pattern

When You play the rudiment your hands go in a pattern of right left right right left right left left.

Step 3: Increase the Tempo of the Paradiddle

You wont just come out of the gates playing a paradiddle lighting fast. You have to practice and with repetition comes speed.

Step 4: What You Will Need

1. Drum Sticks

2. A playing surface Ex. A drum pad, a pillow, a phonebook.

3. The will to learn.